Gene Martin runs the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, but he is not the kind of numbers guy who hides behind spreadsheets. More likely, he is in Concord helping lawmakers and everyday citizens understand how the state’s budget shapes nearly every corner of daily life, from the roads we drive to the childcare we can afford.
In this conversation, we talk about how fiscal policy really just means “how we invest in each other,” why most of New Hampshire’s budget isn’t funded by liquor and lottery sales, and how data and storytelling can make complex issues accessible to everyone.
We also discuss Gene’s own journey from living in a homeless shelter as a child to leading one of the state’s most trusted nonpartisan think tanks, why he believes optimism is a public service, and what it truly means to live free and thrive in New Hampshire today.
This episode was produced in partnership with NH Possible, focusing on the NH Fiscal Policy Institute. Learn more about them at nhpossible.org and nhfpi.org
NH Possible is a collaboration between:
* Health Strategies of NH
* NH Health Cost Initiative
* HealthForce NH
* Foundation for Healthy Communities
* NH Center for Justice & Equity
* NH Fiscal Policy Institute
* and NH Businesses for Social Responsibility
Together, they are building a statewide movement envisioning a New Hampshire where individuals, families, communities and businesses all have what they need to thrive, including a sense of belonging, opportunities for civic engagement, optimal health, and access to educational and financial opportunity.
This episode is shared in partnership with our friends at NH Rocks!
Music provided by Sneaky Miles
Episode Summary*
Fiscal policy has a reputation for being dry. Why does it actually matter?
Almost every part of daily life is shaped by fiscal policy. It decides how we invest in education, health care, housing, transportation, and the basic infrastructure that lets people live and work. Whether it is the roads you drive on, the childcare options in your town, or the public university you attended, all of it exists because someone made a decision about how to allocate public dollars. Fiscal policy is really just how we choose to invest in each other.
The words “fiscal policy” can sound intimidating. How do you explain it to people?
I like to tell people that if you are ever complaining about something, chances are there is a fiscal policy behind it. From the time you wake up until you go to sleep, government decisions about budgets, taxes, and programs affect your life. Once you see that, it becomes less abstract. It is about people, not paperwork.
Tell us about the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute.
We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization focused on the state budget, the economy, and the well-being of Granite Staters, especially those with low and moderate incomes. Our job is to translate complex data into clear, factual information that anyone can use—policymakers, business leaders, nonprofits, or residents who just want to understand where their tax dollars go.
You grew up experiencing the impact of public policy firsthand. How did that shape you?
My family spent time in a homeless shelter when I was a child, and we relied on programs like Section 8 housing and public education. Those investments changed the course of my life. It made me want to give back and ensure that others have the same opportunities. That experience reminds me every day why this work matters.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about New Hampshire’s budget?
Many people think the state runs mostly on liquor and lottery sales, but those make up only a small fraction of revenue. The biggest contributors are business taxes, much of it from large national and multinational corporations. Another surprise is how much our system depends on property taxes. About 70 percent of education funding in New Hampshire comes from local property taxpayers, which is unusual compared to other states.
Why is it important that your organization stays nonpartisan?
Trust. Our value comes from being an honest broker of information. We do not lobby for bills or take partisan positions. We simply explain what is happening and why it matters. That is why both Democrats and Republicans rely on our work. Facts have power when they are presented clearly and without an agenda.
Why did your organization join NH Possible?
New Hampshire Possible brings together people who believe progress is still possible here. It is a space for optimism and collaboration, focused on solving problems before they become crises. For me, it aligns perfectly with what we do at the Fiscal Policy Institute— grounding hope in data and using facts to drive solutions.
Can you share a time when your work made a real difference?
One example is a report we released on long-term care. We found that nonprofit providers were struggling because state reimbursement rates had not kept up with costs. Advocates used our data to make the case for an increase, which the legislature passed. That change helped seniors and caregivers across the state. It showed how research can directly improve lives.
How do you make complex topics like tax policy interesting to the public?
We meet people where they are. Not everyone wants to read a 50-page report, so we create short videos, infographics, and maps that show how issues affect their own towns. When people realize one in eight of their neighbors is on Medicaid or that a small policy change could lift thousands of families out of poverty, it becomes personal.
What does “Live Free or Die” mean to you?
To me, it means making sure everyone has the opportunity to truly live. Freedom is not just the absence of rules; it is the presence of opportunity. Housing, healthcare, and education are what make freedom real. I like to think of it as “Live Free and Thrive.”
The questions, wording, and phrasing in this summary may differ slightly from the original conversation. We provide these summaries to give subscribers a brief, accessible synopsis of the episode. Full episode transcripts are available on granitegoodness.com.
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-Andy
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